NorthStar 20 Gallon Air Compressor – GX390 Review
NorthStar 20 Gallon Air Compressor
In this article, we will share NorthStar 20 Gallon Air Compressor GX390 Review in detail. This NorthStar 20 Gallon air compressor is a heavy-duty horizontal air compressor. NorthStar GX390 is powered by a quality Honda gasoline engine with 3 Amp charging system.
NorthStar GX390 is a full cast belt-driven iron two-stage air compressor. Its V-type pump features cylinder design for Low Vibration Technology (LVT), superior cooling for smooth operation and floating-type Swedish steel valves for long valve life. Its crankshaft has bearings on both ends for excellent support and smooth running.
NorthStar GX390 has a liquid-filled pressure gauge for better accuracy and protection against pressure spikes. It also has a durable steel belt guard which makes it standalone from other same range compressors.
NorthStar GX390 20 Gallon Key Specs
| Brand | NorthStar |
| Manufacturer’s Warranty | 4 Yr Consumer/2 Yr Commercial |
| Ship Weight | 492.0 lbs |
| Horsepower | 12 HP |
| Air Tank Size | 20 Gal |
| Engine Brand | Honda |
| Engine Displacement | 390 cc |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 24.4 |
| Max. PSI | 175 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 26.8 |
| Engine Start Type | Electric w/recoil backup |
| Stage | 2 |
NorthStar 20 Gallon Air Compressor Additional Specs
| Drive Style | Belt |
| Duty Cycle | 100 % |
| Air Outlet Size | 3/4 in. NPT |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.6 Gal |
| Pump Material | Cast Iron |
| Oil Required | Yes |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes |
| Low Oil Protection | Yes |
| Drain Type | Manual |
| After Cooler Included | Yes |
| Tank Orientation | Horizontal |
| Dimensions L x W x H (in.) | 41 x 19 x 40 |
NorthStar Air Compressor 20 Gallon
Features & Benefits
- Honda GX160 OHV engine with low oil shutdown
- Full cast iron pump for long service life
- Delivers 13.7 CFM @ 90 PSI
- 130 max. PSI
- V-style cylinder design for superior cooling
- Pump head made of FC35 Grade cast iron
- Floating-type Swedish steel valves deliver much longer valve life
- Operates at slower RPM to run cooler and last longer
- Low Vibration Technology (LVT) features a dynamically balanced pump for smooth operation and long life
- One-piece cast iron crankcase has bearings on both ends of crankshaft for superior crankshaft support, not overhung crankshaft design
- 100% duty cycle
- Durable steel belt guard
- Liquid-filled pressure gauge
- Oversized flywheel for cooler operation
- Heavy cast iron flywheel provides extra momentum
- Step-type piston rings ensure piston ring overlap for better compression
- Sight glass for quick viewing of oil level
- Replaceable crank journals and wrist pin journal/needle bearings
- Two-piece connecting rods can be rebuilt for superior serviceability
- High pressure piston wrist pins have needle bearings
- Easy start lever on unloader valve isolates pump from tank pressure, so engine won’t have to start under load
- Pressure regulator to control outlet pressure
- 20-gallon ASME-certified horizontal tank
- Built-in wheels with handle for easy portability
Best NorthStar Air Compressors
 | NorthStar 8.5-HP 8-Gallon | Gallon: 20 HP: 8 Style: Portable Engine: Honda GX270 OHV Fuel Type: Gas Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar 12-HP 30-Gallon | Gallon: 30 HP: 12 Engine: Honda GX Fuel Type: Gas Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar 7.5-HP 80-Gallon | Gallon: 80 HP: 7.5 Fuel Type: Gasoline Voltage: 230 Volt AC Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar 4.8-HP 20-Gallon | Gallon: 20 HP: 4.8 Engine: Honda GX Fuel Type: Gas Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar GX390 20-Gallon | Gallon: 20 Surge Watts: 8000 Rated Watts: 6600 Engine: Honda GX390 OHV Fuel Type: Gasoline Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar 2-HP 20-Gallon | Gallon: 20 HP: 2 Style: Portable – Vertical Engine: Honda GX Fuel Type: Gasoline Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar 4.8-HP 8-Gallon | Gallon: 8 HP: 4.8 Style: Wheel Barrow Engine: Honda GX Fuel Type: Gasoline Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar 1.5 HP 8-Gallon | Gallon: 8 HP: 1.5 Style: Portable – Vertical Fuel Type: Gasoline Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
 | NorthStar 8-Gallon Kohler CH395 OHV Engine | Gallon: 8 HP: 12 Engine: Kohler CH395 OHV Fuel Type: Gasoline Jump to details ⮟ | Check Price |
NorthStar GX390 20 Gallon Air Compressor Conclusion:
In this article, we tried to cover NorthStar 20 Gallon Air Compressor GX390 Review in detail. It’s a heavy-duty 20-gallon horizontal air compressor. NorthStar GX390 is powered by a quality Honda gasoline engine with 3 Amp charging system.
The unit is particularly heavy (492 lbs) and is expensive (typically ~$1,000-2,000).
But at the same time, its biggest benefit is high CFM PSI. It operates with a maximum 175 PSI pressure; it boasts an output of 18.7 CFM at 175 PSI, as well as 24.4 CFM at 90 PSI.
In short, if you have budget, this air compressor is a must have for all of your garage and other heavy-duty requirements.